Coastal Roots Farm Names Longtime Leader As New CEO

ENCINITAS, CA — Coastal Roots Farm has named Kesha Dorsey its chief executive officer after she served as interim CEO since April.

Coastal Roots Farm has promoted longtime staff member Kesha Dorsey to chief executive officer, tapping a leader who has helped guide the nonprofit's growth over the past eight years.

Dorsey, who has served as interim CEO since April, will lead the Encinitas-based organic community farm and education center as it begins its next chapter. She succeeds Javier Guerrero, who recently left the organization.

"No one is better suited to lead the farm into its next chapter of growth than Kesha Dorsey," said Michael Berlin, chair of the Coastal Roots Farm Board of Directors. "She understands who we are, what we stand for, and where we are going."

Dorsey joined Coastal Roots Farm as marketing and philanthropy manager and has held several leadership roles, including overseeing the Education Department and serving as chief strategy officer. During her time with the organization, she helped shape its strategic plan, strengthen fundraising efforts and support the farm's growth from a $1.5 million budget to more than $4 million, according to officials.

Berlin said Dorsey's leadership will help guide the organization through challenges including increased food insecurity, changing nonprofit funding conditions and continued growth.

As CEO, Dorsey will oversee the farm's programs focused on growing organic food, sharing produce with neighbors facing food insecurity, providing educational opportunities and creating community programs rooted in sustainability and Jewish values.

"This farm has shaped me as much as I hope to help shape its future," Dorsey said. "Our work sits at the meeting point of land, justice, Jewish wisdom, education and community."